Pune hospitals need more doctors, nurses to tackle flu cases

Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday said more doctors and nurses are required in different hospitals in the city to tackle the menace of swine flu.

"Going by the number of patients admitted to different hospitals and people thronging at screening centres, we have asked the government to arrange for services of 100 doctors and 70 nurses in addition to existing staff at these hospitals," Pawar said.

"Following the request, the government has already sent 80 doctors and 45 nurses. We need some more doctors and nurses to tackle the situation," he said.

"The pressure on doctors would be reduced if adequate number of staff is provided at the hospitals," he said.

He said that the officials in Pune are strictly following the suggestions given by Central team of health officials.

Pawar, who is also Water Resources Minister, held a meeting with officials to review the sitution arising out of swine flu. Pune Collector Chandrakand Dalvi, Pune Municipal Corportion Mahesh Zagade and health officials, zilla parishad officials as also the city mayor attended the meeting.

Although the situation has come under control, it is not time for the authorities to relax, he said, adding that even rural hospitals and primary health centres have been asked to screen patients and prescribe Tamiflu to those with flu symptoms.

Stating that hospitals have adequate number of Tamiflu tablets , Pawar said that the situation has improved in the last 36 hours and only three patients are on ventilation.

Talking about the drought like situation in the state, Pawar said that the governement would ensure that there is no drinking water problem at least till 2010 July.

"Water would be reserved for drinking purpose. There will not be any problem till July next year," he said.

Marathwada is the most affected region due to poor rainfall, he said adding that orders have been issued to supply adequate water to various regions through water tankers and Employment Guarantee Scheme would be taken up in these districts on a priority basis.

In the wake of drought situation, the farmers should give more priority to cultivate green fodder, he said.